Philippine Bar Exams to Proceed with Record Number of Examinees; Supreme Court Vows Fairness and Safety

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday assured this year’s Bar examinees that it has taken steps to ensure the integrity and orderly conduct of the examinations, which begins on Sunday. Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, chairperson of the 2026 Bar Examinations, said the Court had prepared and dedicated itself to ensuring that the exams would be “fair, safe, and free of anything which may taint its integrity.” “This examination is necessary to prove that you are ready — ready for greater responsibilities, ready for heavier burdens, ready to stand for justice and serve our fellow Filipinos,” Mr. Gaerlan said in Filipino in a video message. A total of 14,291 applicants registered for this year’s Bar examinations, the highest in the history of the Bar and up from 13,193 admitted applicants last year. The exams will be held at 15 local testing centers, up from 14 in 2025. Seven testing centers are in the National Capital Region, while three each are in Luzon and the Visayas and two are in Mindanao. Among those admitted, 95.88% were assigned to their first-choice testing center. San Beda College Alabang in Muntinlupa City will serve as the national headquarters for this year’s exams, hosting the Court’s central command center for their nationwide administration. The school will also serve as one of the 15 testing centers. Mr. Gaerlan earlier said the national headquarters is more than a venue, describing it as the Court’s promise to administer the exams with “the full measure of its institutional will, its vigilance, and its care.” The 2026 Bar exams will cover six core subjects over three examination days, with two subjects scheduled each day. Questions will be drawn solely from laws, rules, issuances and jurisprudence as of June 30, 2025. “We have no other prayer than for you to attain the success you have yearned for,” Mr. Gaerlan said. “Carry on. Press forward. For yourself. For your dreams. For your family. For the country.” — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez